National Sport News

Hamilton makes Saracens switch

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton will replace Steve Borthwick in Saracens' engine room next season after completing his switch from French Top 14 side Montpellier.

The former Edinburgh and Leicester second row left Gloucester for Montpellier last summer on a lucrative three-year deal, but will return to England after just one season in France.

Saracens view the 31-year-old enforcer and line-out coordinator as the ideal replacement for captain Borthwick, who will retire after Saturday's Aviva Premiership final following a 16-year top-flight career.

"Jim Hamilton is one of the most respected lock forwards in the game, a big man with a big presence on and off the field," said Saracens rugby director Mark McCall.

"He was courted by several leading European clubs, and we are delighted he has chosen to join Saracens."